Tom Phillips
Image: Lesley Blythman
| Father | John Phillips1 b. 25 Jul 1863, d. 6 Aug 1925 |
| Mother | Ellen O'Loughlin1 b. 26 Mar 1869, d. 24 Jun 1951 |
Birth, Death, Marriage | |
| Thomas James Phillips was born on 2 May 1897 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria.1,2 | |
| He married Irene Gladys 'Sis' McDonald, daughter of Donald Glenorchy McDonald and Alice Euphemia Steer, on 9 September 1922 in Essendon, Victoria.3 | |
| He died on 8 December 1980 in Shepparton, Victoria, at age 83.4 | |
Family | Irene Gladys 'Sis' McDonald b. 4 Apr 1903, d. 17 Jul 1987 |
| Children |
|
Story | |
| Tom was born and grew up in Bacchus Marsh. On turning 18, he joined the AIF's 13th Australian Light Horse regiment and served in the First World War in Egypt, France and Belgium. He worked as an apprentice baker before the war. After the war, he worked in Nyah as a labourer then clubroom manager. After marrying local girl Sis McDonald, they moved to Shepparton where he worked as a bread deliverer, labourer, bookmaker, billiard marker, barman, publican and business man. Rumour has it, he was also an SP bookmaker. For 15 years, Tom ran billiard saloons and hairdressers. He was involved with six hotels around Victoria before taking over the Hotel Australia in 1944. Together with his family, Tom took the hotel to being regularly in the top ten liquor sales figures for country Victoria. The family sold the Aussie hotel in 1979, after 35 years. A generous man, Tom helped numerous people with their own business ventures or if they fell on hard times. He was also a foundation member of the local jockey club and trotting club. Tom and Sis had six children, and at the time of his death at age 83, he was 'Papa' to 29, and had nine great-grandchildren. | |
| Thomas James was born in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria on 2 May 1897. He was the fourth child of Ellen and John. He was known as Tom and TJ.2,1 | |
| When Tom was born, his father worked for the railways in Bacchus Marsh, and they lived in likely a railway house in Turner St. All the children attended St Bernard's school or St Joseph's Convent school.5 | |
In 1890 four sisters of the order of St Joseph's, arrived from Sydney to act as educators. A house was purchased for them to use as a convent and high class ladies' school. In time, a detached schoolhouse was erected at the site and it was then that the students were relocated for the last time to our current site in Gisborne Rd - St Bernard's School. Our beautiful convent was erected in 1900 with classes being held in the downstairs area and the upper floor being used as convent and boarding school. The attached chapel was built in 1905. St Bernard's was the first Catholic school to be run by the Sisters of St Joseph, founded by Saint Mary MacKillop. Mary would often visit the convent on her journeys between Sydney and Melbourne and past students fondly remembered her handing out boiled lollies to the children.6 | |
St Patrick's Day sports 1913: Tom Phillips 1st in the one mile bike race. He was unplaced in the finals of the two mile and half mile bike races.7 -1913.jpg) | |
In 1908, the family moved into the gatehouse on Vallence Rd.8,9 Railway gatehouse (Phillips family home), Vallence Rd, Bacchus Marsh Image: Bacchus Marsh & District Historical Society | |
| The gatehouse was next to the railway line on the north-east corner of the Vallence Rd crossing (this crossing was removed in 2004). It was a small four-roomed house, and the older boys slept in a tent in the back yard. The children would play with any children nearby or who were known through school or St Bernard's church. There was a strong connection with all the Vallence families with a number living nearby including Nell, Eddie, Amy and Harry, who were just over the railway line. Lifelong friendships were known between the Phillips children and Vallences. And Mary married Bill Vallence. The wide age range of the children, nineteen years to the day between the eldest and youngest, created an interesting household. Larry was working as a hairdresser before Eileen was born. He married when Eileen was just three, and made her Auntie Eileen at age four, before she started school. During and following the First World War, the children gradually started leaving home. Larry was first to leave the gatehouse, around 1914. About five years later he was followed by Tess and Tom. Last to leave home from the gatehouse was Mary in 1923.10,11,12 | |
| By age 15, Tom was working as an apprentice baker, initially with John Markham in Bacchus Marsh, then with Weston or BG Western in St Kilda. He was an apprentice baker for three and a half years.13,14,15 | |
| Military Service Thomas James Phillips enlisted in the Australian Military Forces in Melbourne on 28 July 1915, about three months after his 18th birthday. His army number was 1410 and he joined the AIF's 13th Australian Light Horse regiment.16  Tom Phillips, trooper no. 1410 Image: Lesley Blythman  Phillips TJ, no. 1410, 13th Australian Light Horse, First World War dog tag, 1915 Image: Tony Barnes | |
He had tried to enlist earlier on 9 June, about five weeks after his birthday, but it wasn't completed. The attestation page was completed and signed, and his medical was signed, but it was not seen by the commanding officer and he was not allocated to a unit.14 Thomas James Phillips, medical, 9 Jun 1915 Image: NAA  Thomas James Phillips, medical, 28 Jul 1915 Image: NAA | |
He enlisted in Melbourne on the same day his parents gave their permission. Ellen wrote the letter, including the words 'I give permission ...', and signed it. John later added his signature and the 'I' was crossed out and changed to 'we'.16-1915.jpg) Permission letter for Tom Phillips to enlist, Bacchus Marsh, Jul 1915 Image: NAA | |
The Empire's call Thos Phillips (of railway gatehouse) and Ted Phillips (Water Commission employe), but no relation, have joined the ranks.17 | |
| Tom was in the 50A cadets for four years. This may have been part of a school program at Bacchus Marsh, or near St Kilda where he was an apprentice baker. The 50A and 50B cadets had headquarters in East St Kilda.16,14,18 | |
Tom Phillips and Bill Vallence were brothers-in-law after the war when Bill married Tom's sister Mary. Tom Phillips & Bill Vallence, c. 1915 Image: Beth Phillips .jpg) Tom Phillips, Bill Vallence, probably Packington Vallence, nurses unknown, Bacchus Marsh, c. 1915 Image: Bacchus Marsh & District Historical Society | |
[There are no specific details of where Tom fought. The description below is derived from transfers between units (e.g. transfer from 1st Division to 5th Division); transfers between locations (as part of troop movements, or due to injury); and military histories of the order of battle using Tom's known units, locations and dates.] | |
| In the four months following enlistment, he was at a camp at Broadmeadows, then Seymour where he trained in the bush as part of the 13th Australian Light Horse regiment's 7th reinforcements. It is believed the name of Tom's horse was Austin. The regimental number led to the nickname 'Devil's Own'.16,19  Devil's Own badge (unofficial), 13th Australian Light Horse Image: Digger History | |
On 23 November 1915, he embarked in Melbourne, travelling via Albany to Egypt on the transport ship HMAT Ceramic.16 In 1914 the Ceramic was requisitioned for the First Australian Imperial Force as the troopship HMAT (His Majesty's Australian Transport) Ceramic, with the pennant number A40 Image: Paul Phillips | |
| For three months, he trained with other reinforcements around Tel-el-Kebir, between the Nile and the Suez Canal (see map). Here the 13th Light Horse Regiment was split into three squadrons. Tom was assigned to C Squadron which became part of Fifth Division.16 | |
| In late June 1916, Tom disembarked at Marseilles in the south of France (see map) as this division moved to the Western Front. They travelled by train over 800 km north to what was known as the 'nursery sector' near Armentières (see map) where the whole of the 13th Light Horse Regiment was reassembled. In July, the regiment became involved in the disastrous attack at Fromelles (see map) that resulted in 5533 casualties, the greatest loss of Australian lives in a single 24-hour period. This was the first time Australians were involved in a battle on the Western front. It is believed that on the German side of the attack was then 27 year old corporal Adolf Hitler. In October, after several months of recovery, Fifth Division joined three other Divisions on the Somme around Flers and Bullecourt (see map). The main Somme fighting came to an end in November in the rain, mud, and slush of the oncoming winter.16,20,21,22,23 | |
| The 13th Light Horse Regiment and part of the 4th were the only Australian Light Horse to serve on the Western Front. The rest remained in Egypt, the Western Desert, Sinai and Palestine where conditions were more suitable.16,24,25,26 | |
Due to the static nature of the Western Front due to the trenches, traditional cavalry work was not available until the final stages of the war when mobility was a factor. Consequently, while the men from the 13th Light Horse Regiment participated in many of the major battles on the Western Front, it was done mainly as support troops. In that role the 13th Light Horse Regiment undertook traffic control, escort work and generally guarding the lines of communication.27 | |
| Tom Carey wrote that Tom was: ... a despatch rider in the mud and slush of the terrible battles of the Somme, which took more Australian lives than all of World War Two. Through the worst of the 1916-1917 winter, until late March 1917, Tom's support role was on detachment to 22nd Field Artillery Brigade. On 25 March 1917, he was assigned for duty with the Australian Provost Marshal. A form of military police, the 'provos' were responsible for traffic control along supply routes to ensure their most effective use. Three weeks later, Tom was on detachment to 1st Australian Divisional Train. A Divisional Train was a co-opted railway line, a rail head somewhere near the front line, and supply lines from there to the front lines for food, ammunition, etc. The supply lines were usually pack horse (but sometimes bicycle), and were patrolled and secured by the Provos.25,16,26 | |
| In March 1917 Fifth Division pursued the Germans to the Hindenburg Line, capturing Bapaume (France), and in May it relieved the First Division in the Second Battle of Bullecourt (France) (see map). Over the next few months, the division made its way north towards Ypres in Belgium. In September it managed to turn an allied defeat into a major victory at the Battle of Polygon Wood (Belgium) (see map). The division wintered around Messines (Mesen in Belgian, between Armentières and Ypres), occupying the front between November and December 1917.20 | |
| In December 1917, Tom was sick and transferred via Australian Field Ambulance to the Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy siding near Poperinge (Belgium), then to the Canadian General Hospital in Boulogne (France). Initially diagnosed as influenza, a week later in Boulogne it was confirmed as trench fever. Two weeks later, on New Years Day 1918, Tom embarked Princess Elizabeth for transfer to Bristol in England. In mid-January, he was transferred to an Australian military hospital in Dartford, east of London. A week later he was transferred to No. 4 Australian Command Depot in Hurdcott near Salisbury where AIF soldiers went to convalesce. Recovery stalled and by late March he was still suffering the after effects of the trench fever with symptoms including rapid heart rate (over 120 bpm), dizziness, breathing difficulties and exhaustion after even moderate exercise. There are also reports of shell shock and burns. A medical assessment determined that he was: Temporarily unfit for General Service for more than six months. He was recommended to return to Australia for at least six months to recover. Tom Carey reports: Later on leave in Killarney, Ireland he met men like Jack O'Callaghan, the late Bob Tuff, Tom Prater and others who were to become lifelong friends in the Goulburn Valley. And:After being evacuated from Belgium, he took leave in Killarney Ireland. There are no entries for this in his service record, though it may have occured in the first three weeks of April after he was transferred from Hurdcott through the port of Weymouth to Liverpool awaiting transfer. Tom departed from Liverpool in late April aboard the hospital transport ship Suevic, turned 21 en route and arrived in Melbourne in early June. Tom had assessments at No. 16 Australian General Hospital in MacLeod in Melbourne between June and September 1918. These led to the recommendation that he be discharged as permanently unfit with a 30% disability due to trench fever and dilated (or disordered) action of the heart. His heart condition affected his working life: Moreover he felt he must have regard to the fact that the applicant had served his country for three years at the war, and was, according to his sworn statement, unable to take up hard work. [Dec 1926] He was discharged in Melbourne on 9 October 1918, just a month before the end of the war. According to his certificate of discharge, Tom served 928 days abroad in a total of 1168 days service. His intended place of residence is given as Bacchus Marsh. Tom received three medals, the 1914/1918 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.16,28,25,29 | |
| Mademoiselle from Armentières It's possible Tom had a night with a Mademoiselle from Armentières on 9 August 1917. In at least six entries in his service record (mostly copies or transcripts), he is AWL (absent without leave) from 6:30 am 9th August to 6:30 on the 10th, and the place given is London. But there are no corresponding entries of his transfer to or from England, like four months later when he was sick. However, in one other record, a separate page, the place is 'field' and it is stamped 'Certified checked with records ... London'. It seems likely someone has transcribed this incorrectly and others have copied the mistake. In August, his 13th Light Horse Regiment as part of Fifth Division, was near Armentières on its way to Ypres. Perhaps a young soldier fresh from a battle on the Somme and wondering if he'll make it to age 21, has seized the opportunity for a break and gone AWL, possibly even looking up someone he'd met when he was there 12 months earlier. Armentières clearly meant something to Tom. In later years, family have said he would go around whistling 'Mademoiselle from Armentières'. And his wife Irene 'Sis' is quoted as saying 'One of his girl friends was Mademoiselle from Armentieres', and 'His face lights up when you mention those places'. And Tom's response: 'I should think it would, I was young then'.20,16,25 | |
| Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour In August 1918, the Avenue of Honour was formed when 281 elm trees were planted by the Bacchus Marsh community as a tribute to local service people. The tree planted for Tom Phillips can been seen in the 1990s photo below. The plaques were timber, about 3" high by 12" long with a metal plate at the top where the name was engraved. They were held to the tree by a metal band, which would would have had to be loosened as the tree grew. Generations of relatives, including Tom's children, grandchildren and neices, visited the Avenue of Honour to see the plaque. In 1998, some of the now 80 year old trees were cut down as they were deemed unsafe. One of the first to go was that of Trooper T J Phillips. An article from The Age newspaper describes the story. A photo from 2010 shows the replanted tree, and son Laurie visited in 2013.30,31,32  Tania & Keith Blythman, TJ Phillips's tree, Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour, 1990s Image: Lesley Blythman  -1998,-image-0002.jpg) Trooper TJ Phillips's elm tree being cut down, Avenue of Honour, Bacchus Marsh, Oct 1998 Image: The Age -1998-02.jpg) Image: The Age Online Pty Ltd  TJ Phillips's tree, Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour, Mar 2010 Image: Peter Phillips  Laurie Phillips, TJ Phillips's tree, Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour, Dec 2013 Image: Peter Phillips | |
| Light Horse Reunions and RSL In October 1919, Tom joined the new-formed Bacchus Marsh sub-branch of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA, later Returned and Services League (RSL)). He was a general comittee member and member of the Entertainment committee. An early function was a Military Ball to celebrate the first anniversary of the armistice, to be held on Tuesday 11 November. He continued his link with the RSSILA while around Nyah, when the Diggers' Club, which he was managing, also ran a local sports day. The annual sports under the auspices of the Nyah branch of the RSSILA will be held on the Nyah recreation reserve on Monday, 24th April. [Jan 1922] Tom was also a member of the 13th Australian Light Horse Regiment Association. His name appears in the association's 1935 annual function programme. When he had the Hotel Australia from the mid-1940s, he sometimes hosted the association's reunions there.33,25,34,35  Laurie Phillips, Blair McKay (Shepparton RSL president), Tom Phillips, Sir Rohan Delacombe (Governor of Victoria), RSL function, Hotel Australia, Oct 1963 Image: Lesley Blythman | |
| In the first three electoral rolls after his discharge, 1919, 1921 and 1922, Thomas gives his residence as gatehouse, Bacchus Marsh, and his occupation as baker. In other reports, he went to Nyah.36,37,38,25 | |
| Nyah Around 1921, Tom headed towards Swan Hill looking for work. He worked for the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission at Nyah where they were concreting channels. While there he played football for Nyah Diggers before managing the newly-opened Soldiers' Clubrooms. He also met local girl Irene McDonald there.25,39 | |
Tom Phillips turned 21 on the way home by ship and with peace declared on board came back to Australia for six months awaiting discharge. He went to Swan Hill district looking for work. 'I finished up on the Water Commission at Nyah, turning concrete for 13 shillings and nine pence a day,' he mused. He had two seasons of football with Nyah Diggers as a half forward flanker and no doubt a smart one, but that ended when the Soldiers' Clubrooms was opened at Nyah and Tom was given the job of managing it.25 | |
| Returned Soldiers and Sailors Social Club (aka Diggers Club), was formed around 1920. They set up the Memorial Hall on River St 'with two full-sized billiard tables, a games room with cards, chess, etc.' Opening night was on Christmas eve 1921, and there was a large party. Local groups held fundraisers for the hall, including the Nyah West Comedy Company.40,41,42 | |
| Marriage and Family Irene Gladys McDonald and Thomas James Phillips were married at St Monica's Roman Catholic church in Essendon on 9 September 1922. Tom was 25 and Sis was 19 (the registration shows 20) and she was married 'with the written consent of Donald Glenorchy McDonald, father of the bride'. They had six children. Sis lived for a time at the home of Tom's sister, Teresa (Tess) O'Loughlin at 5 Glen St, Essendon as they prepared for the marriage, and this is her 'usual address' on the marriage registration. Tom was Catholic, but Sis was not, so Tess and her family helped with her conversion to Catholicism. Witnesses to the marriage were John and Mary Phillips, Tom's brother and sister.43,3  Tom & Sis Phillips, Sep 1922 Image: Nene Courtie  | |
 Doris 'Nene' McDonald, Tom & Irene 'Sis' Phillips (McDonald), Jack Phillips, Sep 1922 Image: Lesley Blythman | |
Tess could not make scones: Once when Tom Phillips was visiting Tess he said 'Let's have a game of cricket'. When told they didn't have a ball, he said 'That's ok, we can use one of Tess's scones'. [Marge Deveney]44 | |
| Around the time of the marriage, Tom took Sis and Nene to visit his parents in Bacchus Marsh. According to Nene, Ellen was nice, but John was 'a bit grumpy'.45 | |
| Maude St Home | |
| First child Jack was born in Shepparton in March 1923. The 1924 electoral roll shows Tom Phillips at 46 Maude St, but does not show Sis; she may not have reached the voting age of 21. It is probable this is where they lived when Jack was born.46 | |
| Nixon St and Swallow St Homes | |
| In July 1924, 62 Nixon St was offered for sale and Tom bought it. It was described as a weatherboard cottage with 'five rooms, bath and vestibule, electric light, etc.' on a 66 ft by 148 ft 6 in block of land. [While Shepparton rates show Tom as the owner of 62 Nixon St from 1924, his name does not appear on the title until May 1929.] Second son Reg was born in Ascot Vale in Melbourne in August 1924. It is not known why Reg was born in Melbourne. Third son, Laurence Lloyd arrived in 1925. At this time, according to the birth registration and electoral roll, the family was living temporarily at 7 Swallow St. As the rate books still show Tom as owner of the Nixon St house, perhaps it was being renovated for the new arrival, or expanded to accommodate the growing family at the time.47,48,49,50,51 | |
 Molly Gaffy, Jim, Reece (Cerise de Pagney) & Tom Phillips, Mar 1932 Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips | |
 Tom Phillips, Dot Williams (cousin of Ruby), Jack (John Marion) & Ruby (Williams) Phillips, unknown, Apr 1932 Image: Beth Phillips | |
Mr TJ Phillips, of Nixon St, is recovering from an operation in Una hospital. [May 1933]54 | |
| In March 1928, Tom put the family's Nixon St house up for sale. It was advertised as having six rooms (one more than when purchased in 1924), bathroom, washhouse and electric light. Terms were half cash, £100 in six months, balance in 30 months and 6½ per cent interest. It wasn't sold. Between 1924 and 1931, the address (in the Shepparton rates or electoral roll) is 62 Nixon St. From 1933 to 1937, it is 16 Nixon St. They didn't move, this was due to streets being renumbered. The youngest three children, Rene, Don and Brian, were born while the family was in the Nixon St home. All six children spent some of their time growing up in Nixon St, though for the youngest Brian, not very long.55,56,57,58,49,59,51 | |
| A newspaper report on 10 October 1929 stated: Friends will be sorry to learn that Mrs T Phillips, Nixon Street, Shepparton, is seriously ill and is at present a patient in the Guilford Hospital. [Shepparton Advertiser] Daughter Rene was born the following day at the Guilford [or Guildford] Hospital.60,61,62 | |
The Nixon St property was transferred to Thomas James Phillips, billiard saloon proprietor, on 30 May 1929. It was soon mortgaged to William Charles Tuttle. The mortgage was discharged on 9 December 1937 and the property sold for £150 on 25 February 1938.51,25-1929.jpg) Title held by Thomas James Phillips, Shepparton, May 1929 Image: Land Registry Services | |
| Children's Catholic Education The five oldest children went to St Brendan's primary school in Shepparton. Around 1936, Jack and Reg went to Assumption College in Kilmore where they boarded. Laurie followed a couple of years later. Jack and Laurie also spent a year or two at Sacred Heart College in Shepparton.  Reg, Jack, Laurie, Don & Rene Phillips, c. 1934 Image: Rene Barnes  Back: Reg & Laurie; front: Rene, Brian & Don Phillips, c. 1937 Image: Rene Barnes | |
| Bread According to Tom Carey, on arrival in Shepparton soon after his 1922 marriage, Tom worked as a bread deliverer. It is not known who he worked for or whether his work was linked to being a baker before the war. He may have used the bread deliveries to supplement his income while establishing his billiard saloon.63,25,64 | |
| Billiard Brothers Brothers Tom, Jack, Joe and Danny all had some involvement in billiard saloons in Shepparton. | |
| Tom learnt all about billiards at the football clubrooms in Nyah where he worked for two years till mid-1922: The applicant said that before coming to Shepparton he conducted a billiard room elsewhere for two years. Mr Peter Noble assisted him. He decided to set up a billiard saloon in Shepparton and in August 1922 announced he was: ... about to leave Nyah for Shepparton, to take charge of a billiard parlor which, it is believed, is to be established in High Street, and to contain four tables. In October 1922, Tom's application to the Shepparton shire council for a billiard licence was referred to the engineer, and later approved. The billiard saloon was at 55 High St [later a Target store in renumbered High St]. Tom described the events: The late Bill Tuttle built it and we opened up where Target is now with six tables and accessories, Bill owning it and me renting it off him. The rooms originally had four tables but was soon expanded to six. Tom's were one of only two billiard rooms in Shepparton, the other being at the Mechanics' Institute. By 1926, Tom had enlisted the help of Peter Noble who looked after the rooms during the day, and Tom at night. In April 1926, Tom put the billiard saloon up for sale, though he didn't sell it: FOR SALE - Billiard Saloon in High Street. Six tables and all accessories; tiptop business. For full particulars apply TJ Phillips, Proprietor. On 1 December 1926, Tom appeared in court; the charge read: Defendant, on October 26, at Shepparton, did have the care and management of a common gaming house, to wit, a billiard room situate in High Street. He was convicted, but after legal argument received a reduced fine of £10 with £12 costs.25,65,66,67,68,69,70,71,29  Sep 1922 Image: Shepparton Advertiser  Mar 1923 Image: Shepparton Advertiser | |
| By early December 1926, Tom had decided to establish a second billiard saloon with the help of his brothers.25 | |
| Despite a conviction less than two weeks earlier, Tom was successful in his applications to the Goulburn Valley Licensing Court for renewal of his existing billiard licence and the granting of a second one. The licensing inspector, FB Nolan, had objected to the application saying: ... the applicant was recently fined on a charge of keeping a common gaming house, Murrumbidgee pool being played at the time the police visited the promises. Mr DC Morrison, of Messrs Morrison, Sawers and Teare, appeared for Tom. Mr Morrison made the case that: The circumstances were not sufficient to warrant the place being classed as a common gaming house. Mr Morrison said the result of the appeal might be to alter the conviction to that of a breach of the law. He would call evidence as to the character of the applicant. The applicant's premises were the only public billiard rooms apart from the Mechanics’ institute rooms. They were so well patronised that in order to give greater facilities he proposed to apply for an additional place. The licensing magistrate was Mr V Tanner. The Magistrate said he might state at once that he would not grant authority for the same person to conduct two such businesses, as it would mean one would have to be controlled by another person. However, he had first to decide whether the applicant was a fit and proper person to hold a license. The applicant said that before coming to Shepparton he conducted a billiard room elsewhere for two years. Mr Peter Noble assisted him. There were six tables in his room and he could not accommodate all the patrons. At this time of the year there were a lot of fruit pickers in the district. He kept the place orderly. He was a returned soldier having been on active service for three years. Police sometimes passed through his room and had never complained. At the time of the visit of the Melbourne police there were some side showmen from the Shepparton show who came and asked him to arrange for playing Murrumbidgee pool and, unfortunately, he gave way to their requests. He did not make a habit of allowing the game to be played. He needed more room hence his second application. Tom stated: I have six tables. I have a brother who could take charge of the new premises. He helped me at one time. I would put my brother and Mr Peter Noble in the old room and look after the new one myself. The two rooms are about 200 yards apart. At present Mr Peter Noble looks after the rooms in the day time and I at night time. A series of character witnesses followed: John Pick, land agent, said he had been impressed by Mr Phillips as being a very respectable citizen. Phillips was a neighbor of his. William Tuttle, plumber, said the applicant was his tenant and he could say that it would be hard to find a man who could conduct the room better than Mr Phillips did. Indeed Mr Phillips seemed to be just the man for the position. The applicant was a respectable citizen who kept the place very clean and orderly. He thought Mr Phillips was justified in applying for a second license. Peter Noble was a quiet inoffensive man. RL Gibbons, estate agent, stated that the applicant was a man of good character. He was a good citizen and conducted the business splendidly. There was a big demand on the applicant's six tables and additional ones were needed. By the Magistrate: I have never seen any gambling or anything objectionable at the place. John Riordan, boot and shoe shop proprietor, said the applicant was a very honorable man. The billiard room was one of the best conducted he had ever been in. Peter Noble had had a long experience in billiard room businesses and was a man whose character was equal to that of Mr Phillips. By the Magistrate: It is wonderful how well the applicant manages the crowds in his billiard room. AJ Dunn said he had found the applicant to be an honorable man and a good citizen, and he conducted the room admirably. By Inspector Nolan: I have never seen gambling going on in the room. SR McPherson, of High Street, said he had passed the applicant’s rooms many times and had never seen anything objectionable. The magistrate adjourned to consider the matter. On resuming at 2 pm, the Magistrate said that in his opinion the Licensing Inspector was fully justified in bringing the objection before the court in view of the conviction which had been referred to. Notwithstanding that, however, they had in evidence that the applicant had conducted the place well and he was disposed to think that the game to which reference had been made was a lapse. He did not think that the game had been systematically carried on. The testimony of highly reputable citizens was that the applicant was a most respectable citizen - that he was a man of high character. The evidence before him was that the applicant had been well punished in regard to the conviction, having been fined £10, and required to pay £12 costs. Therefore he felt justified in taking a lenient view of the matter. Moreover he felt he must have regard to the fact that the applicant had served his country for three years at the war, and was, according to his sworn statement, unable to take up hard work. In all the circumstances he felt justified in granting the application for the renewal of the license. With regard to the application for a new license for other premises he had had the Sergeant recalled who swore in the witness box that there was room for an additional billiard room in Shepparton, and he would therefore grant the application for the license in the new building in High Street. He trusted that the applicant would take his experience as a warning and be careful in his conduct of both places. He hoped that the applicant would give no occasion to be brought before the court again. He had an opportunity to see the premises in which the new business was to be conducted, and thought that it was well suited for carrying on such a business.71,72,29 | |
| The second billiard saloon was also in High St, further west at no. 41 [later Cellar 47 in renumbered High St]. In January 1927, Jack quit his job in Bacchus Marsh and headed to Shepparton: Mr 'Jack' Phillips, who has been a member of the Bacchus Marsh Co-operative Store staff since its foundation (eight years ago last July) left there last week-end, with the object of entering business with his brother at Shepparton. Danny, only 18 or 19 at the time, also left Bacchus Marsh for Shepparton. Tom described the working arrangements: Then Roy McPherson built The News; underground, where Cellar 47 is now - a real old gentleman, Roy. He was going to put his staff in there I think, but for some reason he agreed to lease it to me. We put in another four tables and a hair dressing salon, my brother Jack and I running it with Tommy McAuliffe working for me and Danny (who runs a salon in Tatura now) in the hair dressers. In 1928, Jack returned to Bacchus Marsh to be replaced by Joe, who had been working in Bacchus Marsh as a billiard marker for the previous three or four years.73,25,69,74,75,76,77 | |
| Tom only had both billiard saloons for a year or so, around 1928. Before that he leased only the more eastern one at 55 High St. After 1928 he leased only the more western one in the basement at 41 High St. and held it until 1935. In November 1928, Joe was granted a billiard licence for six tables in Shepparton. None of the newspaper summary licensing court reports shows Tom as licensee, only Joe. Yet court reports relating to objections or misdemeanours, plus other records, refer to Tom as proprietor or running the saloons. In 1929, Joe was granted the licence jointly with Henry Hill. In 1930 and 1931, he held it on his own. Billiards Phillips' saloon tournament A record number of 220 entries has been received for the open billiard tournament, which begins this week at Phillips’ saloon, High Street. The proprietor (Mr Tom Phillips) claims this to be the largest entry in a billiard tournament outside the metropolitan area. Besides the many local enthusiasts who have entered, players from Toolamba, Ardmona, and the districts round Shepparton will be present. Owing to the great interest which has developed, Mr Phillips has decided to give a handsome trophy for a second prize. The first prize is a £10/10/ suit of clothes tailored by Messrs Lunn and Holmes. The players and their handicaps are as follows: ... [Sep 1929] Another tobacco robbery Some time Sunday night burglars made their way through an open window into the billiard room of Mr TJ Phillips, High Street. Then by means of a jemmy or big chisel, the marks of which are plainly visible, they forced a swing window open and entered the adjoining barber's and tobacconist's establishment of Mr H Mathieson where they took possession of about £50 worth of tobacco and cigarettes, as well as about 12/- in loose silver, which was in one of the tills. [Feb 1931]77,69,78,79,80,81,82 | |
| Tom and Joe offered their customers several ways to place a bet, not all of them legal. This attracted the attention of both the gaming police and thieves. Heavy Fine £20 Plus £12 Costs Charge Of Keeping Common Gaming House In High St Shepparton ... Detective James Albert Cavanagh v. Thomas James Phillips, charged that, on May 5, he did have the care and management of a common gaming house, to wit, premises known as Phillips' Billiard Room. Defendant pleaded not guilty, and Mr PV Feltham appeared for him. ... [lengthy discussion over whether illegal Murrumbidgee or legal "devil's pool" was being played] ... The PM, after consultation with his colleagues, said the defendant was convicted. ... The PM said the legislature regarded the offence as a serious one, and provided for a third offence imprisonment without the option of a fine. The Bench, believed the police evidence, and were annoyed at the false statements by others from the witness box. Defendant would be fined £20, plus £12 costs. [May 1928] Tom's rooms were sometimes targeted in raids by the Melbourne gaming squad: GAMING RAID Visit to Billiard Saloon Police Draw Blank Following closely upon the recent visit to Shepparton of members of the Licensing Police, who are reported to be taking action against four hotels, a detachment of police from the Gaming Branch made a raid on the town yesterday in a search for starting price bookmakers. It is understood that they drew a blank so far as actual betting is concerned, but it is reported that the police took the name of one individual who, although he was not caught betting, was alleged to have had in his possession several slips on which were written the names of horses. While other places were visited, the raiders seem to have concentrated their attention chiefly on the billiard saloon of Mr T Phillips, in High Street, but a thorough search, which included the building itself, failed to reveal any trace of illicit betting. [May 1935] Gaming Raid at Shepparton Shepparton, Sunday - Two car-loads of gaming police from Melbourne raided a billiard saloon conducted by Thomas Phillips in High Street Shepparton yesterday afternoon. About 70 men were arrested, and will appear in the Shepparton Court early in the new year. The police seized a book in which bets are alleged to have been written, and charged the proprietor with having had the care of a common gaming-house. Two justices of the peace who had been playing a game of bowls spent more than an hour in taking sworn statements of names and addresses of the men to admit them to bail. [Dec 1936] Billiard room raid Phillips is fined £25 The sequel to the raid by a squad of Melbourne Gaming Police upon a billiard saloon in High Street, Shepparton, on December 5, was heard in the Shepparton Police Court yesterday, when Thomas J Phillips and Thomas McAuliffe were charged with having committed breaches of the Gaming Act. Phillips, who pleaded guilty, was convicted and fined £25, with £9 6/ costs; while McAuliffe, who entered a plea of not guilty, was discharged. [Jan 1937] Billiard saloon robbed Shepparton, Wednesday Breaking a skylight thieves entered the billiard saloon of Mr T Phillips in High street. They removed a fruit machine from the premises, and breaking it with a tyre lever stole approximately £30. [Mar 1939] There was talk of Tom once playing Walter Lindrum in an exhibition snooker match because no one else would play him. Lindrum's first visit to Shepparton was in October 1937 and he played in Tom and Joe's billiard saloon. Billiards Exhibition by Walter Lindrum The world champion billiard player, Walter Lindrum, will visit Shepparton on Monday night next, and give an exhibition for two and a half hours at the billiard saloon in High street, Shepparton. The exhibition will include billiards, snooker, trick and fancy shots, also a lecturette in which all the shots of the game will be demonstrated. Walter and his nephew Horace visited on several later occasions.83,84,85,86,87,88,89,90,91 | |
| In May 1937, Joe transferred his billiard table licence to Harold James Williams. Harry later did bookkeeping for Tom at the Hotel Australia, and assisted Tom when he was briefly a dogs bookmaker. Late 1937, Tom purchased the Pine Lodge Hotel. He then left running the billiards to others, but in March 1939 was still shown as a billiard saloon proprietor. Joe continued his involvement, and in November 1939, a billiard table licence was transferred to him from George Andrew McGifford. It is thought that a billiard saloon business would struggle to survive during the Second World War.92,87,93 | |
| Hairdressing Danny ran the hairdressing part of the billiard saloons. And in 1937, Tom described himself as a hairdresser and tobacconist, with Danny cutting the hair. The shop was next to the Shepparton Hotel in Wyndham St.94,25,95 -1937.jpg) | |
| Pine Lodge Hotel Tom's hotel era began when he bought the Pine Lodge Hotel in Shepparton East for £2500. The property was purchased in late 1937 from Hector McGregor and consisted of two parts, the hotel on 1.5 acres and an additional 8 acres of land. The licence was transferred to Tom from Hector G McGregor in January 1938. He held the licence for two years until it was transferred to JF Carra on 31 January 1940. Shepparton rates show Tom still as owner in 1941. The hotel was less than 10 km from Shepparton in a sparsely populated area (population 237 in 1933) used for mostly dairying and fruit-growing. Tom's income was boosted by the many bona fide travellers, who by claiming to live further than 20 miles away, could get a drink out of hours or on a Sunday. There was also a lot of night trading: 'With six o'clock closing we all traded after hours, we had to to survive' Tom said. 'We had arrangements with our local police. It's different altogether to what it is now, but of course we never overdid it,' Mr Phillips said.25,96,97,69,98,99,100,101,102 | |
BEER DRINKERS HONEST Admitted They Were Thirsty Police Raid Hotels He 'had never heard such a lot of honest explanations in his life' smilingly remarked Mr PV Feltham, solicitor for the defence at the Court of Petty Sessions, Shepparton yesterday, when 14 men were charged with having been on hotel premises on a Sunday, and Thomas James Phillips, the licensee, was charged with having disposed of the liquor on that day. Mr Feltham asked Mr Mohr, PM, to take the season into consideration. It was a very unkind arrangement for New Year's Eve to fall on a Sunday! Mr Phillips was about to sever his connection with the Pine Lodge Hotel. Most of the men frankly admitted having had drinks - it was 4.45 o'clock in the afternoon and they were thirsty. One man had stated that he ran out of petrol and entered the hotel to obtain some. Another said he had accompanied this man. First Constable Buchan described how he with First Constable Wilson and Constable Harrington had raided the Pine Lodge Hotel on that day, and found Phillips serving from the cupboard. As the defendant had been frank, Inspector De La Rue, who prosecuted, withdrew the charge against Phillips of having had persons on his premises in prohibited hours. On the disposal charge Phillips was fined £4. Each man found on the premises was fined 10/. [Jan 1940]103,99,98 | |
 Pine Lodge Hotel, Shepparton East, c. 1929 Image: Lost Shepparton, Facebook | |
| The family had their first taste of what life could be like while living in a pub, when they moved into the Pine Lodge Hotel in Shepparton East in 1938. The three older boys were boarding at Assumption College in Kilmore, returning three times a year during school holidays. At home they lived in an old cable car under the peppercorn tree. In summer the mosquitoes were so bad they burned cow pats to keep them away.104,105,106  Brian O'Neill (friend) & Brian Phillips, cable car bedroom, Pine Lodge Hotel, Shepparton East, c. 1939 Image: Rene Barnes | |
When Mum was driving in in the Fargo ute with Jack, Reg and me in the back, one of us would yell out 'Duck!' as we went under the peppercorn tree. Then we all laughed when she did. After a while she did it anyway. Someone would say 'She's done it again!' [Laurie Phillips] While at the hotel, Rene and Don went to the nearby Shepparton East school. Brian had not yet started school. There were cigarette machines at the Shepp East hotel. You put sixpence in for a chance at getting a pack of ten cigarettes. At one stage the lads and I tipped one of the machines upside down to get at the cigarettes. [Jack Phillips] While Tom was busy running the business, it was also a busy time for Sis. As well as looking after the children and the usual domestic duties, she worked the bar and kitchen. And she made time to be involved with community activities. During the war, Tom bought a 1938 Studebaker 'President' from Hank the Yank. This became the family car and was used on holidays.105,104,88,107  Sis Phillips in the 1938 Studebaker 'President', possibly Brian & Don at the rear window, possibly Jack & Reg on the running board Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips  Tom Phillips and his 1938 Studebaker 'President' convertible, c. 1940 Image: Roylyn Phillips | |
Margaret Sellwood (Lee) remembers Tom & Sis Phillips visiting Beatrice and the family in a big flash American car (the Studebaker) when they lived in Lake Boga. She was about five years old and commented that 'It was like they were from another world'.108 | |
| Around 1939, Effie Lee stayed with her cousin Sis Phillips and the family at the Pine Lodge Hotel where Tom found work for her. Effie greatly enjoyed being with Tom, Sis and the three youngest children, Rene, Don and Brian (the oldest three were at boarding school in Kilmore). The camera recorded an occasion when they all dressed up for a day at the Shepparton Show. There were two Albanians known as Sam and Louie who did work for Tom and lived at the back of the hotel. They made a necklace with intricate beadwork for Rene and another for Effie. Rene still had her necklace 80 years later.109,110,32  Don, Rene, Brian & Irene Sis (McDonald) Phillips, & Effie Lee, c. 1939 Image: Rene Barnes  Sis Phillips (McDonald) & Effie Lee, c. 1939 Image: Rene Barnes  Don, Rene & Brian Phillips, c. 1939 Image: Rene Barnes  Rene Barnes (Phillips) & Effie Lee wearing necklaces made by Albanians Sam & Louie while at the Pine Lodge Hotel, Shepparton East, c. 1939 Image: Peter Phillips | |
| Tom and Sis left the Pine Lodge Hotel in early 1940 after Tom gave up his licence, though he still owned the hotel through 1941.49 | |
| JGB 'Jack' McDonald While at the Pine Lodge Hotel, Tom became good friends with JGB 'Jack' McDonald. Jack had a nearby orchard and his men would drink at the hotel. Tom helped on working bees, including supplying the beer. Some of the working bees may have been fundraisers for the war effort. Tom and Jack both served with the AIF on the Western Front during the First World War. Jack McDonald was at various times Shepparton councillor, SPC chairman, local member of parliament, Country Party leader, leader of the opposition, deputy premier and premier of Victoria.111,112,113,114  Working bee in Shepparton East, Tom Phillips next to his niner of beer, JGB McDonald MP reclining front right, c. 1939 Image: Rene Barnes  Working bee in Shepparton East, Tom Phillips next to his niner of beer, JGB McDonald MP reclining front right, c. 1939 Image: Rene Barnes  Tom Phillips, an orchard in Shepparton East, c. 1939. Back of photo: 'Lest We Forget' Image: Rene Barnes | |
After my last leave before heading off to service, I had a lift back to Melbourne with Victorian Premier, JGB 'Jack' McDonald. His driver, Clary Elliot, used to stay at the pub [Hotel Australia] when Jack was visiting his farm in Shepp. TJ and Jack were good friends. I felt pretty special sitting in the back seat with the Premier in the front. He asked me some questions - I wish I could remember what my answers were! When I told the guys back at base that I'd just got a lift with the Premier, they were impressed. [Laurie Phillips]115 | |
| Gardening Tom loved gardening. Tom loved to get out into the garden at the Pine Lodge hotel, though he rarely got the chance. When someone came up and asked him where Tom Phillips was, he would tell them he was the yardman and send them inside. When they went inside and asked for Tom, they'd be told he was outside! [Rene Barnes] He continued at the Hotel Australia, and even did gardening at Brian and Maureen's place in McCracken St when Brian was at work.110,116 Tom Phillips, Hotel Australia yard Image: Lesley Blythman | |
| Bookmaking Tom was one of six boys. All except Jim were at some stage involved in illegal ('SP' or 'starting price') or legal bookmaking activities. Their venues included barbers, billiard saloons, pubs and a co-op.117,118 | |
SP Bookmakers Until 1931, betting with a bookmaker on-course was the only legal form of gambling in Victoria. In that year, a small on-course tote was introduced to give punters an alternative. However with the advent of radio and the telephone, results of a race could be heard off-course and there were plenty of people who wanted to bet without going to the track. While many placed their bets on a daily or weekly basis, the Melbourne Cup was so widely known and loved by the Australian public that punters in every state wanted a piece of the action. This resulted in one of the most entertaining wrinkles in Australia’s history of larrikinism and general illegal activity – the SP Bookmaker. Flourishing up until the early 1960’s, it was a complex business involving a Bookmaker to take the bets and pay the winners, Runners who would literally run all over the suburbs, taking bets from people at home, in the back lanes and in the local bars and Cockies (short for Cockatoos) who were posted at strategic points such as high spots and intersections to warn the Runners & Bookies of approaching Law Enforcement. However, a lot of blind eyes were turned with Bookies openly settling up with winners in public places at the end of the day. ['Australian Horse Racing - Rogues & Ring-Ins', The Australian Racing Report, Australian Racing Report, 2021, viewed February 2021, SP Bookmakers] | |
| Most of Tom's recorded SP bookmaking activity was during his time at the billiard saloons. At this time, the family was living at Nixon St. One day when Don and I were playing outside at Nixon St, Mum had papers and books and was hiding them under logs of wood. She told us to 'keep nit'. [Rene Barnes] Keep nit: An expression directed to a lookout, to keep a watchful eye out for the law during illegal operations. See also Nit Keeper and Cockatoo. [Australian Slang Dictionary] Tom was also a licensed bookmaker, for dogs (greyhounds) and possibly trotters. Pop [Tom] was once a licensed bookmaker, but later he was not allowed to have the licence for both the hotel and the bookmaking so he gave up the bookmaker licence. He used to book at the Showgrounds (dogs and trots), but liked the gallops most. [Jack Phillips] Dad was a dogs bookie at the showgrounds, but I don't think he was ever a horse bookie. This was when we were at Nixon St, before Assumption. I was maybe 10-13 years old. [Laurie Phillips]119,120,121,88,122  Back: unknown, possibly Ron Higgins the baker; front: Reg Gibbons 'penciller', Tom Phillips bookmaker, c. 1935 Image: Rene Barnes | |
When Papa [Tom] came home from a meeting he would take out all the big money and bigger coins and put the bag in a cupboard. Enter Jack, Reg, Laurie and we get the bag and shake the hell out of it hoping for loose change. Many times a trizzie, threepence, a zac, sixpence, and if real lucky a deana, a shilling, might fall out. Divided three ways wasn't a lot but it bought us a few lollies. Those were the days. [Laurie Phillips]123 | |
| Sis's Major Lung Operation | |
| Around 1940, Sis had a major operation in which one lung was removed. It came about suddenly following a haemorrhage. Sis was taken from Shepparton to a hospital in East Melbourne, possibly St Vincents or St Ives, where the operation took place. This may have been around November1940 when Sis spent three weeks in Una hospital. The three eldest boys, Jack, Reg and Laurie were at Assumption College in Kilmore at the time. One day at morning rosary the Brothers announced to everyone that the boys' mother was about to have a serious operation and that they should all say a few prayers for them. The family rallied around to help. Sis's mum came up from Melbourne to help look after Rene, Don & Brian. Tom's sister Eileen came up from near Bacchus Marsh. Sis spent time recovering at the home of her sister-in-law Tess in Essendon. And her sister Bub helped out with the kids and housework when Sis returned home.124,125,126,127,128,129 | |
Sis came to Melbourne for her lung operation, recuperating at Tess's place in Essendon. Unfortunately for Sis, the old tin bath had just had a coat of white paint, so when she got out, sensitive parts of her were also coated white. She noted that having a lung removed was nothing compared to having paint removed from her backside. [Marge Deveney]130 | |
Sightseeing in 1940 Around 1940, Jack and Ruby were on a sightseeing trip with Tom, Sis and youngest son Brian. This was around the time Sis had her lung operation. Photos show they went in Tom's Studebaker and visited a koala park, but details of the trip are unknown.  Ruby Irene Phillips with koala, c. 1940 Image: Rene Barnes  Sis (Irene), Brian & Jack (John Marion) Phillips, c. 1940 Image: Rene Barnes  Sis Phillips (McDonald), c. 1940 Image: Rene Barnes  Brian and Sis (Irene) Phillips Image: Roylyn Phillips  Tom Phillips and his 1938 Studebaker 'President' convertible, c. 1940 Image: Roylyn Phillips | |
| Court House Hotel Tom started working at the Court House Hotel in December 1942. He was initially bar manager and later house manager. Sis also worked there for a short time. Mr TJ Phillips has resumed duty at the Court House Hotel, following a week’s sojourn with friends on the River Murray. [May 1943] Mr TJ Phillips of the Court House hotel, will leave today on an extended vacation. [May 1944] Tom left the Court House Hotel later in 1944.131,132,120,133,134 | |
| Orr Street Home Tom bought the weatherboard residence at 77 Orr St from Mr Ben Seth in July 1941, though the family likely lived there earlier. Between moving out of the Pine Lodge Hotel in early 1940 and into the Orr St home, the family lived in a house in Nixon St, near Harold St. Yes it [77 Orr St] was a good stopover house at that time. You boys were all away in services then. Mum wasn't at all well when we were there, we had help in the house and Dad was at the Court House hotel mostly. Heaps of memories, some good some not so good. [Rene Barnes]135,120,136,105,137  Tom & Sis Phillips, 77 Orr St, Shepparton, c. 1942 Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips  Back: Sis Phillips, Val Irwin; front: Brian, Don & Rene Phillips, 77 Orr St, Shepparton, c. 1942 Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips  Rene Phillips (with dog), unknown, Sis (Irene) Phillips, 77 Orr St, Shepparton, c. 1942 Image: Suzanne Cheshire  Sis Phillips (Irene McDonald), 77 Orr St, Shepparton, c. 1942 Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips | |
| When they bought the Hotel Australia, they kept the Orr St house which the whole family called home until at least mid-1945. And years later, two sons lived there after they married.138,139 | |
Mrs E Phillips, accompanied by her daughter in law, Mrs Jack Phillips, has been spending a few days with her son, Mr TJ Phillips, of Orr street. They returned to Bacchus Marsh this morning. [Mar 1945]139 | |
| Sons' Military Service Jack, Reg and Laurie all served in the Second World War, Jack in the RAAF, and Reg and Laurie in the RAN. Sis was naturally concerned for their safety, and when the three were considering which service to join, Sis reportedly considered the Navy to be the least risky. This influenced Reg and Laurie's decisions; but Jack was keen to be a pilot.140  Reg Phillips, RAN & Jack Phillips, RAAF, c. 1943 Image: Madge Phillips  Tom & Laurie Phillips, 77 Orr St, Shepparton, 1944. Back: Dear Reg, Here's another snap of Laurie. I got the negative off Rene and Laurie hit the roof. He is still home on leave. Love, Val [Irwin] Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips  Sis & Laurie Phillips, 1944 Image: Rene Barnes | |
| Hotel Australia The Phillips family's connection with the Hotel Australia began on 16 November 1944, nine months before World War Two ended. Tom took up a lease from Greg Dunne and his sisters Molly, Madge and Pos, with an option to purchase.25  Hotel Australia, Shepparton c. 1950 | |
Hotel changes hands At the annual sitting of the Licensing court in Shepparton today application by Thomas James Phillips for transfer of the licence of the Hotel Australia was approved by Mr Campton, who occupied the bench. The Australia is owned by Mr GP Dunne and his three sisters, a family which has been engaged in the hotel trade for about 30 years. To questions from the bench, Ins. Herbert said that the Australia had previously had a good house trade, but it had become lax. He had warned the licensee about three months ago that he had received complaints of refusals to provide accommodation and unless there was an improvement he would report the matter to the court. Mr Campton (to Phillips): Do you intend to re-establish the house trade? - I do. I have a staff of five girls and expect a chef tomorrow. If you keep to the same standard as the Court House Hotel you will be all right. Ins. Herbert: Having regard to the experience of the applicant there will be plenty of scope for him. The house has been neglected and the business confined to the bar trade. I have no hesitation in recommending the transfer. All applications for renewals of licences were granted. [Nov 1944]132 | |
| A police report dated 9 November 1944 to the Licensing Court read as follows: 1. I have to report as a result of enquiries I have caused to be made, I am satisfied applicant Phillips is of good reputation and character 2. He is married and 47 years of age 3. Applicant held a victuallers licence for the Pine Lodge Hotel, Shepparton East for a period of about 3 years 4. Whilst [licensee] of that hotel he was convicted for Disposal and Person on premises as per back hereof 5. There will be no partners in the business 6. Applicant has had three years experience as licensee, Pine Lodge and 2 years as manager of the Court House Hotel, Shepparton, during which times he has had experience in the business of public dining rooms 7. He will be assisted in the management of the business by his wife Irene Gladys Phillips and Miss K Barry as manageress of Victoria Hotel Shepparton for 14 years 8. The persons giving testimonials were of good reputation and character, and the testimonials were of good value 9 Applicant has been cleared by MAN-POWER 10. I have NO OBJECTION to this application. [signed B ? Herbert], Licensing Inspector Applicant Phillips whilst [licensee] of Pine Lodge Hotel, Shepparton East was convicted as hereunder. 2.3.39 Persons on, fined £1 20.7.39 Disposal, fined £2.141 | |
| Tom's first few years in the hotel were very difficult financially. Wartime quotas meant the pub often ran out of beer, especially during the busy fruit picking and canning season around Christmas. Also, the quotas were based on sales figures for January and February 1942 when Dunnes ran the hotel. The Dunnes were well off financially and were selective of who they gave rooms to and who they served beer to. This resulted in beer sales almost half that of the other Shepparton hotels. Tom needed to grow the business to survive, but was locked into a quota based on sales from almost three years earlier. Shepp pubs used to share beer allocation when things got tough or if one ran out. They'd ask the others if they had any to spare and occasionally buy their surplus. Dad once said if the war had gone on a couple more months, he'd have been broke. [Laurie Phillips] In February 1945, Tom applied to the Department of Trade & Customs to have his beer quota increased. This was rejected. Desperate for more beer, he tried again in March with a personal appeal to the Minister's private secretary, unfortunately with the same result. In November 1945 he and his manager Harry Williams worked with the other hotels to make a joint submission which had some success. ... Mr Williams of the Australia Hotel, Shepparton called upon us with a signed request from the licensees of the six Shepparton hotels for an increase of beer to meet the demands of the forthcoming fruit and canning labour that is expected to be employed in the Shepparton district from about the 15th December 1945 until the end of March 1946. ... This matter has been received favourably by the Liquor Control and I have received advice today 15/11/1945 that you will receive the following increase as from 15th December 1945:- 10% increase on your trade quota and an extra allowance to meet the increased labour. It is to be understood that the allowance will not be quite as big as last year, owing to the Air Force camp being closed, but with the extra labour that is required to replace troops who were detailed to pick fruit. [Department of Commerce and Agriculture, Commonwealth Food Control, Nov 1945] Although wartime restrictions on beer production were lifted in March 1946, it took many years for the breweries to recover. [Brews News]142,143,144 | |
| Tom continued to work with the other local hotels and was later a member of the Australian Hotels Association. DISTRICT HOTELS ORGANISE District Association Formed With practically every hotelkeeper in attendance at a meeting held in the lounge of Shepparton Hotel on Wednesday afternoon, it was decided to form the Shepparton and District Licensed Victuallers Association. Representatives from hotels in Shepparton, Mooroopna, Tallygaroopna, Toolamba, Kialla West and Shepparton East were present and Mr TJ Phillips was appointed president with Mr R Stainsby secretary and Mr HJ Williams, treasurer. It was agreed to convene a further meeting in the near future with a view to forming an organisation to represent the views of the whole of the hotelkeepers in the Goulburn Vally.145  Tom Phillips (far right), Australian Hotels Association function, Pinsent Hotel, Wangaratta Image: Don & Marion Phillips | |
Hotel Australia, Shepparton c. 1950 | |
| The Hotel Australia became home to the Phillips family in mid-1945 after a move from Orr St, though Tom had signed the lease in November 1944. Sis was keen to move in but Tom insisted that her sister Bub would need to help out first. At the time, Jack, Reg and Laurie were about 21, 20 and 19. Jack and Reg were serving in the Second World War and Laurie was about to do the same. Rene was about 15, Don 13 and Brian 8, and so were still at school. Jack, Reg and Laurie moved into the hotel as they returned from the war, so Jack around February 1946, Reg March 1946 and Laurie January 1947.136,110,138,146,147,148 | |
| May Jones was officially the laundress, but she was also an excellent cook. She used to give regular cook Mrs Chatterton the day off on a Wednesday. Everyone, Phillips family and long-term residents, looked forward to Wednesday night, when her fricassee of lamb, braised steak and onions and all sorts of other delicacies were so good they had trouble deciding which to have. The 'Cupboard' was a small room under the stairwell where after hours drinking would occur, often well into the night. Unfortunately for Sis, the stairwell was near their bedroom causing many a disrupted sleep.110 | |
When the drinkers got a bit rowdy while drinking late at night in the 'Cupboard', Sis would drop a little soap into one of their pots. She said 'you get to be a pretty good shot after a while'. [Rene Barnes] One night a few of the boys were there [the 'Cupboard'] drinking and making a bit too much noise. At about 1am Mrs Phillips opened the hatch and dropped a briquette through. Unfortunately for Brian Tresize, it landed on his head and knocked him out cold. [Tom Carey]149,110,19 | |
THEFTS FROM HOTEL Found guilty in Shepparton General Sessions yesterday on four charges of larceny of a wireless set and several suit cases of clothing from the Australia Hotel on January 9, Lawrence Noel Chambers (37), motor mechanic, of Belmore road, Burwood, NSW, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment on each of the first three counts and 14 days on the fourth count. ... Chambers was charged with having stolen a case containing coats and trousers the property of Mr TJ Phillips; with having stolen a wireless set the property of Mr W. Keighley; with having stolen a case and some shirts and singles the property of Mr L McKeand; with having stolen a bar of chocolate, a sum of money and some peanuts from Miss I Phillips. ... Mr Cussen, outlining the evidence of the prosecution, said that the accused entered four bedrooms in the Hotel Australia occupied by the proprietor, Mr T Phillips, his daughter, Miss Phillips, Mr W Keighley and Mr L McKeand and stole articles from each room. ... [Feb 1947]150 | |
| The family's living arrangements changed as the children married. Reg was first to wed, marrying Madge in March 1948, and they lived in the Orr St home. Jack was best man, Laurie was groomsman and Rene was bridesmaid. In 1952 they returned to the hotel with baby Michael and stayed until soon after Susan was born in 1953, when they moved into their newly constructed home in Maude St. Rene was second to marry, and in 1951 moved to Warrnambool with new husband Keith Barnes. Laurie closely followed Rene, when later in 1951 he married Lorraine and they moved into a home in Maude St. Jack married Cass in 1952 and they moved into the Orr St home, prompting Reg and Madge to return to the hotel.110,151 | |
| Don and Marion married in 1958 and initially moved out. They made the hotel their home around 1964 and remained there with sons Trevor and Paul until around 1973. Brian and Maureen married in 1968 and daughter Peta was born when they lived in the hotel. The three moved out around 1972.152  Brian Phillips, Hotel Australia, c. 1945 Image: Rene Barnes | |
| When Don and his family moved out around 1973, it marked the first time Tom, now in his early seventies and Sis, in her late sixties, had no immediate family living with them. | |
When Doc Kennedy visited Tom when he was crook, he'd take a bottle of Scotch upstairs with him. When asked on his return a few hours later how Tom was, Doc would say 'he was in good spirits when I saw him'. [Rene Barnes]110 | |
| In 1979, the Phillips family sold any interest in the Hotel Australia, and Tom and Sis moved out. Tom was 82 and Sis was 76.25 | |
| Holidays To and From Hotel Australia The first newspaper report found of visits by relatives to the Hotel Australia was in January 1947 when Tom's niece Pat Simmons visited her cousin Rene. In February 1949, Tom's brother Larry continued his hairdressing duties in Swan Hill while wife Ruby and son Allan visited for a week.153,154 | |
In 1948 Laurie, Sis and Ruby Phillips went on holiday to Lakes Entrance. It is more likely that Jack rather than brother Tom took the photo. Laurie & Irene 'Sis' Phillips (McDonald) and Ruby Phillips (Williams), 'On beach at Lakes Entrance, February 1948' Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips | |
| The first newspaper report found of Tom or Sis having a holiday from the Hotel Australia is in May 1949 when Sis returned from Albury. Tom's first reported holiday is in January 1950 when he and Sis went to Bacchus Marsh for a fortnight. In January the following year they stayed in Melbourne. In May 1951, Tom's mother Ellen stayed at the hotel after Tom and Sis returned with her from a three week touring holiday in Adelaide. Ellen died four weeks later. In August 1951, Sis had a short holiday with Rene and Keith in Warrnambool. They had married in April. In May 1952, both Tom and Sis stayed with Rene and Keith where they attended the Warrnambool races. On the return trip, accompanied by friend Dr Jack Kennedy, they attended the Bendigo races. They visited again and attended the races in February 1953, this time returning to Shepparton with Rene, Keith and baby son Warren.155,156,157,158,159,160,161 | |
[There are no readily available newspaper reports of holidays after mid-1953 when the Shepparton Advertiser was purchased by the Shepparton News.] | |
In at least the last ten years at the hotel, Tom and Sis would head up north in winter to the Broadbeach Hotel in Queensland for a holiday and to escape the cold.110 Irene 'Sis' & Tom Phillips (back), Eileen & Bill Connelly (right of Tom), others unknown, Surfers Paradise Image: Lesley Blythman | |
| The Hotel Australia as a workplace supported all five sons at various times. Jack, Reg and Laurie began working there as they returned from serving in the Second World War. Don and Brian worked elsewhere for a couple of years after finishing school before working at the pub. With five sons, Tom could share the physical workload. He had developed heart problems when serving in the First World War and so had limited physical ability. And Sis was limited having had a lung removed a few years earlier.138,163 | |
| Jack worked at the hotel from early 1946 until it was sold in September 1979. He ran the saloon bar off Maude St, later named 'Jack's Bar'. He also did the banking. Reg worked there from early 1946 until early 1955. He left because the beer aggravated the dermatitis he developed during the war. Laurie worked there from early 1947 until about 1963. He also collected the beer from the railway station. And there are reports that when a troublesome character was about, and a bit of 'biffo' might be required, Laurie got the job. Don worked there from around 1950 until it was sold. He gradually became more involved with the running of the hotel. Wife Marion ran the residential and function parts of the business. Brian worked there from about 1954 until it was sold. He also collected the beer from the railway station after Laurie left. During school holidays, both Laurie and Brian would take nephews and nieces with them to the station, usually perched on a wooden booster seat. Brian's wife Maureen ran the functions and weddings for six months in 1971 while Marion, Don and the family were on holiday. In summer Tom's wartime beer quota meant he ran out by the end of the month. At at the start of the month the small main bar on the Maude and Fryers St corners meant he didn't have enough room for the drinkers. In November 1945, after just twelve months there, he applied: ... to instal a saloon bar on premises now occupied by the Shepparton Agricultural Society office ... Mr LC Abemethy, who appeared for the applicant stated that the present bar accommodation was insufficient and caused complaints from customers that they could not get a drink in comfort. Greatest width in the main bar was only about six feet and the dimensions of the present small parlor bar were only 10 feet by 10 feet. The proposed additional bar space was 12 feet by 28 feet. [Shepparton Advertiser] The application was successful, taking effect from January 1st, and the Agricultural Society held their last meeting there in December. Many other groups held meetings there and it had also been a billiard room. Jack and Reg returned from service in February and March. Jack ran the saloon bar with most of the others also working there at some stage. All five sons worked at the main bar at some stage.141,164,163,95,165,166,167,168,169,170,171,172,173,100,174,32,175  Reg Phillips at the cash register, main bar, Hotel Australia, c. 1950 Image: Madge Phillips | |
When Jack, Reg and Laurie returned from war service, they brought with them hordes of mates and the family business was in full swing. There are enough stories from the family's days in the Aussie to fill a book. [Tom Carey] At about 6:10 pm the head barman in the main bar would shout 'Time gentlemen, please!' After everyone shuffled out, there would be a tap-tap-tap on the front door with a coin, and the hardier ones would sneak in again and meet in the 'Cupboard' to continue drinking. They were from all walks of life, including cops. There were times it seemed like there were a hundred blokes in there. [Tom Carey]25,19 | |
Bill Condon, racing expert: The Phillips boys perpetrated many pranks on former Shepparton News reporter and later Sporting Globe racing expert Bill Condon. He raced to more hoax 'fatals' at his peril, and went out to see more gelded sires than any other newsman in known history. Yet for all his naivety, he was still a brilliant journalist, according to the boys. Tiny Moylan and the cellar: One night, locksmith genius, wag and trick cyclist Leo 'Tiny' Moylan, the only man who could ride a bike down Mt Major backwards mounted on the handlebars, rode into the cellar in the 'snake pit' before a crowd of patrons crying with laughter.25 | |
| For the enjoyment of the drinkers, every effort was made to serve the beer as fast as possible and as cold as possible. There was only one beer available on tap, Carlton Draught. This was probably all you could get in Shepp as CUB were the only supplier. No bottled beer was picked up from the station, only barrels, plus wine, spirits, etc. So the only beer you got, at least in the early days, was Carlton Draught from the tap. Initially they used a single barrel at a time and tapped another when it was empty. Later we worked out a way to have 4-5 supplying the bars. The main bar had maybe 6-8 taps. The beer was cold. There was a chute that funnelled cold air from the cellar over the next tray of glasses, under the bar. To pour the beer faster, we got Plutos so we could take the tap to the glass for refills. It was maybe 6 foot long, but because it warmed the beer slightly, you only used it in busy times. [Laurie Phillips]176,25 | |
| As beer sales increased, so did the need for cold beer and bar space. In early 1950s renovations, the underground coolroom was extended, a beer garden was added, the saloon bar was expanded, and the first floor accommodation wing above above it was added. Two Beer Gardens Shepparton and Mooroopna will shortly have two beer gardens - one at T Phillips' Hotel Australia, Shepparton, on vacant ground next [to] the saloon bar, in addition to the fernery; and Nev Coe, Royal Mail, at Mooroopna, has built a trellised shelter above the lawn in the back yard. Both should be [in] use for incoming summer. [Oct 1952] Tiny Moylan would ride around the beer garden. He was known to bump into the well and go A over T. [Brian Phillips] Extensions At Hotel A building permit to extend the accommodation facilities at the Hotel Australia has been received by Mr TJ Phillips. Plans provide for the remodelling of the premises so that additional bedrooms for the travelling public can be included. Work will commence as soon as possible and will alleviate to some extent Shepparton's notoriously acute shortage of accommodation. Daily there are complaints from travellers that they are unable to obtain accommodation. They often have to go as far afield as Numurkah or even Echuca in search of a bed. [May 1950]141,177,163,178 | |
| The saloon bar run by Jack had become so popular it was made two to three times longer and named Jack's Bar. Jack's Bar developed a reputation for its hijinks. Events included racing Trevor and Paul's bikes around the bar which sometimes resulted in minor injuries and often required the bikes to be fixed the next morning so the kids could get to school.95,163,179  Jack's Bar, saloon bar, Hotel Australia Image: Hotel Australia | |
Jack was a keen Collingwood supporter, and for years only had a black & white TV in the bar. He refused to get a colour telly, much to the displeasure of many of the regulars. One day, Ned McDonald came into the bar and shot the telly! People scattered and ducked for cover; Jack bought a colour TV. [Tom Carey]180,95 | |
| There were lots of characters like Ned McDonald and Ron Higgins who enjoyed the different atmosphere Jack and the family had created in the saloon bar. Many became lifelong family friends. The Phillips family returned to the saloon bar in March 2013 for a family reunion. This coincided with the renaming of Jack's Bar and with Jack's 90th birthday. Jack Phillips died a year later on his 91st birthday.  Phillips reunion in Jack's Bar, Hotel Australia, Mar 2013 Image: Shepparton News  Jack's Bar, Hotel Australia, Dec 2014  Jack's Bar, Hotel Australia, Dec 2014 | |
| Back in the main bar, Tom was the consumate publican. Perfect Host Business man or battler, Mick or Proddy, indigenous or import; it didn't matter to Tom, he treated you just the same. The consummate host, if Tom didn't know somebody's name, he would go up beside Trevor or one of the other barmen, and with a voice even softer than usual ask 'Who's that bloke over there?' Just so he could address them by name. Genial and small in stature, Tom could easily blend into the background if it wasn't for his crop of silver hair. As he mingled with the patrons, he'd be nursing his 'foursie', a small 4 ounce glass of beer that looked much like everyone else's, but allowed him to socialise all day without getting sozzled. With the perfect attributes for his line of business, Tom would also offer a glass or round on the house, all but guaranteeing patrons would linger and be back. [From (House of Phillips), 'Chapter 3: Punters, Players and Politicians'] His mother had a saying: 'It's no good being poor and looking poor', and all six sons were noted for being well dressed. Tom has been described as 'always impeccably groomed'. Such was the atmosphere Tom had created, the hotel was referred to as "Uncle Tom's cabin", "Phillips's hotel", or simply "Tom's".25,181,174 | |
| Tom was the master at getting people to go quietly, with tricks like: 'Have this one last drink on the house, then on your way.' [Laurie Phillips] They once had a customer in the main bar who was extremely annoying and driving patrons away. One day Papa [Tom] asked me for ten Bob, which I gave him. Papa then proceeded over to this bloke and gave him the money. I had no idea why. A week or so later, Papa asked me how business had been lately. I thought, then said: 'Very good since so-and-so was gone. How did you do it? And by the way where's that ten Bob I gave you?' Papa told me if you loaned money to someone like that, you'd never see them again - and that that valuable lesson had cost me ten Bob. [Brian Phillips]163,182 | |
What goes on in Shepparton Footnote to that story in yesterday's Shepparton supplement about the origin of the word furphy. Locals tell me that every furphy (water tank) produced at the factory had an inscription in shorthand on the side. That inscription went to Gallipoli and New Guinea during the wars, and all over Australia in between and since. What did the inscription mean? Well, my shorthand is about as good as my arithmetic, but Shepparton citizen Tom Phillips tells me it means something like 'Water is the gift of the gods; drink is the gift of the Devil.' Tom Phillips? He's a publican. [Aug 1953]183 | |
| Beer sales continued to climb into the late 1950s and six o'clock closing created the need for further renovations. ... [during] the peak of the 1950's and early sixties ... the Australia was regularly in the top 10 liquor sales figures of country Victoria and a couple of times in the top three. [Tom Carey] Six O'Clock Swill Six o'clock closing was introduced during the First World War, partly as an attempt to improve public morality and partly as a war austerity measure. Six o'clock closing often fuelled an hour-long speed-drinking session, as men raced to get as drunk as possible in the limited time available. An unintended consequence was that patrons would save their glasses during the hour before closing time until the last call came for drinks, where the glasses would be refilled and patrons attempted to drink them all in the time left. The pressure to serve customers led to innovations such as a pipe from the taps so that the bartender did not need to carry the customer's glass to them. [Known as a 'Pluto'] Hotels catered for the short heavy drinking period after work by extending their bars and tiling walls for easy cleaning. The phenomenon changed Australian and New Zealand pubs as rooms in the building were converted to bar space; billiard rooms and saloon bars disappeared and separate bar counters were combined. [Wikipedia] Tom had renovation plans approved but was financially stretched. In late 1956, he still owed £35,000 on the hotel and had estimated the renovations would cost a further £25,000. Papa [Tom] was in debt to the hilt. For the renovations he borrowed money from Joe. [Laurie Phillips] The late 1950s saw the new long bar added. To make way for it there was work on the dining room, lounge, kitchen and downstairs dormitory style rooms, and the beer garden was removed. There was now a bottle shop at the northern end of the bar, and this was run for eight years by Tom's sister-in-law, Bub Williams, who had recently sold the Junction Hotel in Toolamba. The verandah with its rotting timber was also removed during these renovations.25,184,185,141,186  Sis Phillips on the end, Brian Phillips next to her, main bar, Hotel Australia, c. 1960s Image: Trevor Phillips  Hotel Australia, Shepparton c. 1963 | |
| These renovations left a single dormitory style room downstairs for staff, and consolidated all family and guest rooms on the first floor. In renovations around 1963, the central bedrooms were recast as self-contained units and a main/guest lounge provided. Of the seventeen rooms upstairs, four were now occupied by Phillips family. A March 1962 licensing report shows the renovation plans also included 18 new bedrooms in a wing over the main public bar, but they were never built. Accommodation was managed by a number of different people up until the 1960s. From then, Don's wife Marion took over.141,187 | |
| Guests and other 'bona fide travellers' could legally be served drinks out of hours. It helped with beer sales but had unintended consequences. Despite 6pm closing, there was a rule that 'bona fide' travellers (from 20 miles away) would be allowed to get a drink out of hours, including on a Sunday. You then had the situation where the Mooroopna drinkers would drive to Echuca, and the Echuca drinkers would drive to Mooroopna to get a drink. And then they would all pass each other on the way home again. [Tom Carey] Some drinkers liked to place bets on the horse races. Tom's brother Joe was an SP (starting price) bookmaker and operated from the hotel. Though risky for Joe, it was more risky for Tom who could lose his licence if he was found to knowingly have bets placed on or near his premises. In 1968, there was a close shave with the gaming squad which ultimately resulted in a $50 donation to the Richmond football club.19,188,100 | |
Tom Phillips explains: 'Mum's the word. But you might remember 'Little Sport' (his brother Joe) and I had a slight mishap on the premises the day the flying squad [police gaming squad] comes through looking for SP bookies and catch us red-handed. Well we have to front Georgie Catlow, the beak, but Ray Dunn appears for us and duly gets us off as always. After we all have dinner together back home at the Australia Mr Dunn says, 'Well, TJ, you'd better put in 50 bucks to the footy club and whatever you think's a fair thing to me.' That's how you see that in the Richmond annual report.' [Tom Carey] [Other notable donors are Sir Robert Menzies, Jim Cairns, Arthur Caldwell & Senator Kennelly. Ray Dunn was club president and club solicitor. George Catlow was a magistrate and Tom Phillips had lunch with him every Friday.]188,19,189  Image: Richmond Football Club | |
| Renovations in 1962-1963 allowed the hotel to run large functions. The ground floor central area between the public and saloon bars was gutted, with provision for a new modern entrance foyer, large lounge and dining room. There were also new and enlarged toilet blocks in all sections and changes to outbuildings including store rooms. Functions varied from formal to entertainment, with weddings the main part of the business. They were run by Don's wife Marion. Brian's wife Maureen could take over if Marion was unavailable. Other functions included a reception for Sir Rohan Delacombe (Governor of Victoria) as part of an RSL function, a football (handball) competition, and Tom's favourite, the Can Can Cabaret. Tom had a special connection with France from his First World War service.141,190,164,191,25 Laurie Phillips, Blair McKay (Shepparton RSL president), Tom Phillips, Sir Rohan Delacombe (Governor of Victoria), RSL function, Hotel Australia, Oct 1963 Image: Lesley Blythman  Don Phillips, Hotel Australia handball competition Image: Don & Marion Phillips  Can Can Cabaret, Hotel Australia, c. 1960 Image: Lost Shepparton, Facebook .jpg) The Can-Can during French night at the Hotel Australia with Tom and Sis Phillips Image: Terry Sier | |
The final renovations by the Phillips family were in 1972. The long bar was split and the gents toilet moved between the two parts. The larger part was effectively the new ladies lounge, and a new bar, 'The Arches', could service it and the main function room. The driveway was widened and the bottle shop moved next to it to become a drive-through.141,192 Hotel Australia, Shepparton c. 1972 | |
| A number of factors contributed to the timing and nature of the 1972 renovations. The timing was prompted by a fire in the main bar around October 1971. That was when the Shepparton Show was held and they had to wake up the man who ran the Ferris wheel, who usually stayed at the hotel. The fire was damaging and disruptive but not enough to stop trading. A liquor licensing inspection in November resulted in a January 1972 'show cause' notice requiring advice on why certain damage had not yet been rectified. In April, Tom advised that the plans had been finalised. The nature of the renovations resulted from the changing licensing laws and general availability of alcohol. The licensing laws restricted the sale and service of alcohol almost exclusively to pubs for decades. Alcohol could usually be purchased only in pubs, and many states placed restrictions on the number of bottles per customer that could be sold over the counter. It was not until the late 20th century that 'bottle-shops' and chain-store outlets (where liquor was sold but not served) became common and restaurants and cafes were more widely licensed to serve liquor or to allow customers to 'bring their own'. [Wikipedia] Tom once said: There are more hotels to go around, or more particularly a lot more places selling bulk liquor, while the labor aspects in costs and quality are making things tough for publicans. With the more relaxed norms around drinking, visitors of note were more likely to be seen in the main bar than in the function room. Such visitors have included Bob Hawke when he was ACTU President, Gough Whitlam shortly before he became Prime Minister, well-known Footscray football player Ted Whitten, and Harry 'Soapy' Vallence, a Carlton football player from Tom's home town of Bacchus Marsh.25,193,194,195,190,196  From left, John Riordan & Tom Phillips sharing a drink with Gough Whitlam (right), c. 1971 Image: Don & Marion Phillips -1975,-image-0001.jpg) Carlton footballer Harry 'Soapy' Vallence and Tom Phillips 1975 | |
| Tom did all he could to keep the business viable, and son Don aimed to diversify. Perhaps due to his early financial stress, he had some habits that seemed unusual. I remember in the mid- to late-1970s, in the safe at the pub, Pa Pa had all his unopened paypackets. Easily 10, could have been 20. These were weekly pays and the amount was written on the front. $260 odd rings a bell (each). [Trevor Phillips] Papa was funny with money. One day when I was working in Jack's Bar, in came JGB McDonald, Prime Minister McEwen and Moss, from Numurkah, asking to see Papa. I told Papa who was in his old clothes working out in the yard and didn't bother getting changed. Papa shouted them all a drink and when they left asked if I had any money on me to cover the beers. I convinced Papa that maybe this time the pub could pay. (Brian Phillips). In 1977, Don had an idea to generate additional income, and the Phillips family purchased the Goulburn Valley Winery in Vaughan St. By 1979, Tom and some of the family were ready to leave the business, though others were keen to continue. Tom Phillips poured his last beer in September 1979. The last of the great old time hosts has retired ... State Governors and regular customers are treated with the same efficient and friendly greeting. Tom and 'Sis' Phillips have built the Australia into an institution, which is now not only one of Shepparton's landmarks but a meeting place known throughout the State.197,198,64,199,25,163 | |
| TJ Phillips & Sons was formed in mid-1948 after Tom Phillips and his family purchased the Hotel Australia, having leased it from Dunnes since November 1944 for £25 a week. Initially there were no partners in the business. In August 1948, Tom's licence was transferred to the new partnership of TJ Phillips & Sons, consisting of Tom and the three eldest sons, Jack, Reg and Laurie. The first half of 1955 saw major changes in the company structure. In April 1955, they formed a proprietary limited company consisting of Tom, Sis, Jack, Laurie, Don and 19 year old Brian. Reg took his share from the earlier partnership to persue other business ventures. Sis was now a shareholder in the company for the first time, as were Don and Brian. Between them, Tom and Sis had a small majority share holding. Tom was nominee in the new company and Jack was company secretary. In 1963, an allotment of shares to Reg meant all five boys were shareholders simultaneously for the first time. After a small share allotment to Brian in 1967, this share allocation remained until liquidation. Tom's estate plus Sis now accounted for 47% of the shares, and the others held between 4% and 17%. In September 1979, the Hotel Australia licence was transferred from TJ Phillips & Sons to Biltel Hotels Pty Ltd. TJ Phillips & Sons was liquidated in November 1981.200,141,199,201,202 | |
[Tom Phillips had purchased the Hotel Australia in mid-1948 for £50,000 and in September 1979 the Phillips family's business was valued at over $1 million. Their investment had resulted in an average rate of return over a 30 year period of about 8%, well above inflation.] | |
| Tom's Wristwatch Tom received a watch on Christmas day, 1955. This was his first year as director of TJ Phillips & Sons Pty Ltd.  Tom Phillips's watch, Christmas Day, 1955 [In possession of Warren Barnes 2021]  Tom Phillips's watch, Christmas Day, 1955 [In possession of Warren Barnes 2021] | |
| Tom's Will Tom wrote a will in February 1962. As executors he named wife Irene Gladys and sons John Lawrence and Laurence Lloyd. His shares in TJ Phillips & Sons Pty Ltd were to be held and dividends paid to Sis during her lifetime. Upon her death, Brian was to get 2000 shares, Rene was to get 2000 shares and Reg was to get 500 shares. The remaining shares were to be divided equally between the six children. The balance of his estate, including proceeds from sale, was also to be divided equally between the six children.203 | |
| Horses Tom was inaugural president of the Shepparton Jockey Club and a foundation member of the Goulburn Valley Trotting Club. Sis was also keen on horses and horse racing, and attended local races with Tom. At home, she always had her 'trannie' [transistor radio] nearby, and whenever it was switched on, you could hear a race being run.25,204,120 -1948.jpg) 1 - The Gatekeepers. 2 - Harry Mitchell with Mr and Mrs Alan Stuart. 3 - Section of crowd. 4 - The start of a race. 5 - Harry Williams, local bookmaker. 6 - The starter, Mr E Ryan of Wangaratta. 7 - Mr JV Shea, Stipe. 8 - Dick Lee of Mooroopna. 9 - Miss Margaret Harrington with Miss Joy Doonan. 10 Mrs Wannemacher Snr and Jnr of Numurkah. 11 - President of Shep Jockey Club, Tom Phillips (second from right) with members of committee. 12 - Mrs TJ Phillips waits for hubby, the busy president. 13 - The day is over and everyone has had a barrel of fun. Dec 1948 Image: Shepparton Advertiser | |
| Tom later had an interest in several racehorses. As Tom said: I've owned so many horses I couldn't tell you half their names. The best we ever did was a third at Moonee Valley with Miss Lata. He owned some with his friend Doc Kennedy, including Lady Swan, and some with G Anderson, including Miss Lata. Others we know about are Jan Court, Potomac and Khorion. Lady Swan came third twice at Mooroopna in November 1947. Miss Lata raced between 1951 and 1953, and was trained by George Daniels. She had wins at Kyneton (1951), Bendigo (1951), Heathcote (1951), Tatura (Mar 1951), Benalla (Apr 1951), a Shepparton Cup meeting (probably at Mooroopna, Feb 1952 at odds of 4/1), Kyneton (Apr 1952), Bendigo (Jun 1952) and Heathcote (Jul 1952). Little known country rider, R Bolger, earned himself a nice wedding present by scoring a narrow win on Bendigo-trained Miss Lata in the Advanced Handicap at Heathcote races yesterday. Bolger, who held a trainer's licence for some time, will be married soon to Miss Jean Harper, of Bendigo. ... Bolger assists trainer George Daniels with his big team at White Hills, near Bendigo. (Jul 1952) Places are recorded at Woodend (2nd, Feb 1952), Bendigo (2nd, Apr 1952), Ballarat (2nd, Sep 1952), a Shepparton Jockey Club meeting (probably at Mooroopna, 2nd, Mar 1953), Elmore (3rd, May 1953), and a Shepparton Jockey Club charity meeting at Mooroopna (3rd, Jun 1953). It seems Tom and others would bet heavily when they thought it was in with a chance: Feature of the race was the plunge on Miss Lata, whose starting price was only a half of her opening quotation. (unplaced, Woodend, Jan 1953.)110,182,25,205,206,207,208,209,210,211,212,213,214,215,216,217,218,219,220  Tom Phillips (possibly with Miss Lata) Image: Rene Barnes  Adsum (rails) beating Miss Lata [Tom Phillips, owner] home in the Novice Handicap at Bendigo yesterday, Apr 1952 Image: The Age | |
Jan Court had wins at Bendigo (Dec 1955) and Rochester (Nov 1956). Potomac had a win at Bendigo (Nov 1957) and a second at Mooroopna (Nov 1956).221,222,223 Jan Court 1st (TJ Phillips owner), Bendigo, Dec 1955 Image: Tony Barnes  Potomac 1st (TJ Phillips owner), Bendigo, Nov 1957 Image: Tony Barnes | |
Khorion was mostly raced as a trotter, but later Tom, Sis and Laurie bred thoroughbreds with modest success. They formed a partnership 'TJ, IG & LL Phillips'. | |
| The many wins and places they had over the years were at country tracks such as Tatura, Benalla, Wangaratta and Seymour. Laurie was a member at Tatura. The first property they had for the horses was 22 acres on Numurkah Rd, on what was then the outskirts of Shepparton. The property was owned by TJ Phillips & Sons.182,32,202  Laurie with one of his thoroughbred racehorses Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips | |
Hotels and horse racing made for interesting bedfellows. At one time, in late 1947, trucks loaded with beer destined for a race meeting at Shepparton broke down at Seymour. Tom cancelled the race meeting and was quoted in the papers at the time as saying 'it would have been no good running a meeting without beer'.224-1947.jpg) | |
Tom's good friend Doc Kennedy was president of the trotting club. One time Tom, Sis and Doc Kennedy visited Keith and Rene while down for the Warrnambool races. One night Keith, Tom and Doc Kennedy went out to get the main course while Rene and Sis prepared the vegies and the rest of the meal. After sitting at the table for ages waiting for the boys to return, Sis and Rene finally gave up and decided they may as well go to bed! [Rene Barnes]110,95 | |
| Supporting Others' Business Ventures Tom supported many individuals in their business ventures. | |
| From the mid-1930s, Tom had 'fruit machines' or 'one armed bandits' (early poker machines) installed at several places around town, including his billiard rooms and the Pine Lodge Hotel. They were owned by someone known as 'Hank the Yank' (real name possibly Donald Biaze). They took threepence or sixpence and were extremely popular. Hank had machines through South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales and did very well from them. When drinking at the hotel he would shout drinks to everyone at the bar for an hour or more at a time. Tom also did very well from them and invested the money in his business ventures. He also bought a Studebaker from Hank the Yank. After a few years the fruit machines became illegal and Hank the Yank fell on hard times after losing all his income.88,138,107,225 | |
One day there was a knock at the door [of the Hotel Australia] which I answered. Someone wanted to see Pop [Tom]. I asked later who it was and what he wanted. Pop said it was Hank the Yank and he asked for £200. I asked if he gave it to him. Pop said yes, and that if he'd asked for 500 he would have given him that too. Pop said the money he got from running the machines had set him up. [Jack Phillips]88,138 | |
| From late 1941 to late 1944, Tom was silent partner with his sister-in-law Bub Williams in the Cricketers' Arms Hotel in Mooroopna. And with a loan from Tom in 1946, Bub ran the Junction Hotel in Toolamba. The loan was paid back in full. Also in 1946, he helped brother Joe and Vera with the Telegraph Hotel in Numurkah.88,25 | |
| Tom bought the Star Hotel in Stanley for Dinny and Flo Dourlay. And he later helped them with a bakery in Numurkah.226,227 | |
| Tom financed Jack Connors into the barber shop attached to the Shepparton Hotel in Wyndham St. This was possibly around the time he had his brother Danny there. Tom also financed 'Socks' Elliot in a restaurant venture.88 | |
| Supporting the Community Tom and Sis were both community-minded, though it was mostly Tom in the limelight. | |
| In 1934, the Goulburn Valley lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) was established in Shepparton and Tom was a member. The order started in 1822, and is known as "The Buffs" to members. Our Order provides aid to its members, their families, dependents of former members, and other charitable organisations. [RAOB][:LIND ]When son Brian was born, he received a cup from RAOB with his name engraved. Tom was an officer until at least 1942.228,229,230,231 | |
| Tom and Sis supported fundraisers during their time at the Pine Lodge Hotel in Shepparton East. Sis was involved with the Shepparton East branch of the Country Women's Association. Dances for charity The Shepparton East Hall, decorated with a canopy of roses, made a charming setting on Tuesday night for the dance held in aid of the Queen of Sport (Miss Nell Martin). ... The hall was hired for the dance through the generosity of Mr TJ Phillips who was present with Mrs Phillips, whose vivid red suede crepe frock was trimmed with silver. [May 1939] Other appeals contributed to at the time were for bombing victims in England and the Mooroopna hospital.120,232,233,234 | |
| The Shepparton carnival was held each year around New Years day. It had footrunning including the Shepparton Gift, amateur and professional cycling, and other novelty events. From 1944, a month after starting at the Hotel Australia, Tom ran the liquor booth at no cost and donated the entire proceeds to the carnival. Each year until 1948, when he raised £86, the committee publicly thanked Tom for his generosity.235,236,237,238 | |
| Tom was instrumental in the post-war revival of the Shepparton Jockey Club. He was elected inaugural president in May 1946 when they adopted their constitution, and moved from that role to committee in July 1950. The club held fundraisers in aid of the Mooroopna hospital, Legacy, Mooroopna Recreation Reserve and Returned Sailors', Soldiers' & Airmen's Imperial League of Australia (later RSL).239,240,241,242,243,244,245,246,247,248,249  Image: Shepparton Advertiser | |
Racing Revival At a meeting in the Foresters' hall on Friday night it was decided to re-form the Shepparton Jockey Club. It is understood that the club will negotiate shortly to conduct meetings at Mooroopna, in suggestion being a two day combined meeting in an effort to attract Melbourne entries. Mr T Phillips presided at the meeting and Mr Bert Heavey acted as recording secretary. Mr Heavey was secretary of the Shepparton Jockey Club when it ceased operations in the depression, and has consistently sought a revival. A provisional committee was appointed consisting of Messrs T Phillips (chairman), HB Heavey (secretary), LC Abernethy, E Crilly and D Clarke, and applications for racing dates will be made to the VRC and North Eastern District Racing Association. [May 1946] JOCKEY CLUB HAS AUSPICIOUS START Bright Future For District Racing With a profit of £403 18/5 Shepparton Jockey Club has been firmly re-established and at the annual meeting on Tuesday night it was reported that arrangements are proceeding smoothly for the Mooroopna course to become the hub of registered racing in the Goulburn Valley. ... The secretary, Mr Bert Heavey, reported that the club was formed, after a lapse of 14 years, on May 10, 1946, with Mr Tom Phillips as president and its successful season had already established it as one of the best clubs in the North Eastern District Racing Association. The committee was working with the trustees of the Mooroopna reserve and the Mooroopna race club to make the track one of the most popular in the Association. ... Mr TJ Phillips was unanimously re-elected president. [June 1947] New Top Executive for Jockey Club The Foresters Hall held a capacity audience last night when the annual meeting of the Shepparton Jockey club was conducted ... Mr TJ Phillips retired from the position of president, and while it had been known that this gentleman would not allow himself to be re-elected, there was a natural but genuine regret that the 'old silver top' was vacating the chair. It was an encouragement to the members to know that Mr Phillips had retained his seat on the committee, for as members pointed out 'such talented men couid not be allowed to drift from the club completely'. [Jul 1950]250,240,247 | |
| Tom was also a foundation member of the Goulburn Valley Trotting Club. Meetings were held on Wednesday nights at the Shepparton showgrounds. In March 1954, he sponsored the TJ Phillips Trotters' Handicap.25,251,19,252 | |
Tom was once a member of the Dads' Association, the main activity of which was to support ex-servicemen and their families through frequent visits to Mooroopna hospital, food and cigarette supplies, and lobbying council and the state government for improvements to services affecting them.253,254,255-1949,-image-dads--association.jpg) Dads' Association, Jun 1945 Image: Weekly Times | |
| From the mid 1940s, Tom supported the local football association with trophy donations.256,257,258,259 | |
| In 1949, Tom donated an engraved premiership cup to the Shepparton Hockey Association. Daughter Rene played in one of the teams.260 | |
| In the 1950s, Tom helped raise money for boxing, supporting well known and successful boxer Max Carlos. Max's mother-in-law, May Jones, worked at the Hotel Australia.111 | |
| Tom supported local schools with their fundraising efforts: He [Brother Egbert, St Colman's, Shepparton] also did the rounds of the local pubs. His first call was to Tom Phillips of The Australia Hotel. who donated an 18-gallon barrel; then proceeded to ring around the other publicans with the challenge, "I've just given an 18. What are you going to give?" In fact Egbert came to be so well known that he had only to set foot in one of the local hotels, as he frequently did on these missions, to be greeted with the call: "Brother, have a drink with us." He took to carrying his own 2 oz glass, by which device he was able to accede to these offers of hospitality without falling off his bike on the way home.261 | |
| Tom's support for the community included other hotels: Hotel keeping is a highly competitive business but Tom Phillips has earned the respect and admiration of his competitors. Mr Neville Coe of Mooroopna's Royal Mail Hotel summed up the feeling of Goulburn Valley publicans. 'Tom and Mrs Phillips have always been clean and fair competitors, always ready and willing to assist when things go wrong for someone else,' he said. [Tom Carey, '50 years of memories']64 | |
| This is what was said about Sis Phillips on the occasion of the couple's 50th wedding anniversary: 'There's not a great deal you can say about mum', Reg Phillips said yesterday, 'except she's been a great mother and housewife'. 'The Phillips family is a credit to Shepparton and largely responsible for this is the wonderful guidance given by their parents', Cr Riordan said. 'Tom Phillips is one of the best loved men this city has and Mrs Phillips has been a wonderful backstop for her husband and a magnificent mother'. [Tom Carey, '50 years of memories']64 | |
| Tom and Sis's Horse-Loving Grandchildren Horse-related activities of various types were common in Tom and Sis's lives. With a growing number of grandchildren, they bought a pony, 'Tuppy'. Many of the grandchildren rode Tuppy, and several rode him more often and also took up other horse-related activities, including Jane, Karen, Peta, Ellen and Maree. I remember tuppy very very well. The time he swiped me off under the railing in shep and broke my collar bone, the time he bolted all the way home from pony club with me on board and having no say in the matter (Portland) and the time we won the Flag race against a much favoured opponent at the Portland show. He was a great pony with a lot of spunk. [Ellen Barnes] Dad remembers how he threw him off then hit a tree stump and broke 4 ribs close to the spine ... "he was a little mongrel ... Typical Shetland!' he he. [Beth Phillips] He bucked me off a few times aswell....he was a lil shit......hehe. [Jane Murray] Just another name that popped into my head - anyone remember Tuppy? Little black and brown shetland - bugger of a thing, used to take riders under round yard rails!!! [Peta Daher] Jane was the one who rode Tuppy the most. She even entered the Shepp Show one year with him. [Karen Barker] Yeah I rode 'Tuppy' in the shep show.....I remember him being piebald with black mane and tail but it was over 45 years ago so I could be totally wrong?? [Jane Murray] He was such a wonderful pony. I looked forward so much every time to go to Shep for holidays - so I could ride Tuppy - even tho he ran me under the rails and broke my collarbone ??… loved having him in Portland for a few years. Thank you Uncle Laurie ??. That pony had sooo much spunk! [Maree Johnson]262,263,264 .jpg) Ellen & Maree Barnes with 'Tuppy', Portland, c. 1980 Image: Maree Johnston  Rachel Barker & Anne Phillips, Archer St property, Shepparton | |
| Later Years | |
Tom and Sis had 31 grandchildren, though one died as an infant. Irene 'Sis' Phillips with Lesley Barnes, Tom Phillips with Warren Barnes, c. 1954 Image: Lesley Blythman  Catherine Phillips & Irene 'Sis' Phillips (McDonald), rear Hotel Australia, c. 1954 Image: Catherine Wayman  Back: Sis Phillips, Rene Barnes, Catherine Phillips, Warren, Maree & Kevin Barnes, John Phillips, Lesley Barnes with Ellen Barnes; front: Tony Barnes?, Paul Phillips, Tom Phillips?, Trevor Phillips, Adrian Barnes, Brendan Phillips?; Reg & Madge's pool, Maude St, Shepparton, c. 1966 Image: Lesley Blythman  Robyn (obscured), Kerri, Madge, Chris, Reg, Reg, Will, Jane & Tom Phillips Image: Rene Barnes  Sis & Tom Phillips (50th wedding anniversary), Nene Courtie, Jack Phillips, Ellen Barnes (front), 1972 Image: Lesley Blythman  Sis & Tom Phillips with granddaughter Peta Phillips, c. 1969 Image: Beth Phillips  Tom & Sis Phillips at their 50th wedding anniversary with great-granddaughter Tania Blythman, 1972 Image: Lesley Blythman  Sis Phillips, possibly with Nicole Wayman, Karen Phillips (back), Tom Phillips with Keith Blythman, Tania Blythman (standing), Nov 1973 Image: Nene Courtie  Sis, Karen & Tom Phillips, Nicole Wayman (possibly) with Sis, Keith Blythman with Tom, Tania Blythman (standing), Nov 1973 Image: Lesley Blythman  Sis & Tom Phillips with great-granddaughter Rhiana Barnes, c. 1979 Image: Lesley Blythman  Sis (Irene) Phillips with great-granddaughter Rhiana Barnes, c. 1979 Image: Lesley Blythman  Tom Phillips with great-granddaughter Rhiana Barnes, 1979 Image: Rene Barnes  Nene with Sara Murray, Sis with Kate Murray, c. 1987 Image: Lesley Blythman | |
| After moving out of the Hotel Australia in 1979, Tom and Sis moved into a unit in Corio St. Tom had heart problems and was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Thomas James Phillips died of heart failure at Unit 3, 103 Corio St in Shepparton on 8 December 1980, aged 83. He was buried at Pine Lodge cemetery, Shepparton East on 10 December 1980.265,4  Graves of Tom and Sis Phillips, Pine Lodge Cemetery, Shepparton East | |
Citations
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- [S408] Brian Phillips, personal communication, 28 March 2021.
- [S61] Beverley Scott, personal communication, 12 and 14 July 1996.
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- [S58] Violet 'Bub' Williams, personal communication, 1 September and 30 December 1996.
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- [S201] 'From Patricia's diary', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 11 November 1940, p. 3, viewed 21 September 2019, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/174618183
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- [S126] Peter Phillips, personal knowledge or recollection, discussion with Laurie Phillips.
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- [S408] Brian Phillips, personal communication, 2 June 2015.
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- [S201] 'Meetings: [Shepparton District Young Farmers' Clubs Council]', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 13 March 1945, p. 8, viewed 24 March 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170425856
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- [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 10 March 2015.
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- [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 4 March 2015.
- [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 31 October 2013.
- [S18] '$83000 paid for winery', Shepparton News, 1877-, newspaper, Roy McPherson, 1977.
- [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 29 October 2013.
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- [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 4 December 2013.
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- [S201] 'Dances for charity: Queen of sport', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 15 May 1939, p. 2, viewed 4 May 2019, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/187751609
- [S201] 'Bombing victims' appeal', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 27 September 1940, p. 8, viewed 6 February 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/174616946
- [S201] 'Hospital appeal', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 30 May 1941, p. 1, viewed 4 February 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/175190684
- [S201] 'Carnival tenders', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 8 December 1944, p. 3, viewed 19 July 2019, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/171822303
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- [S201] '£600 programme mooted for carnival', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 20 August 1946, p. 6, viewed 20 January 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/187171674
- [S201] 'Sports carnival profit £405', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 16 April 1948, p. 1, viewed 20 January 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169558825
- [S201] 'Jockey Club meets', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 23 August 1946, p. 14, viewed 14 January 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/187171764
- [S201] 'Jockey Club has auspicious start', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 27 June 1947, p. 6, viewed 14 January 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/173896390
- [S201] 'Radio appeal for jockeys: Record entry for Shepparton races', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 18 April 1947, p. 8, viewed 9 September 2017, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/173894782
- [S201] 'Mooroopna Race Club Shepparton Jockey Club: Hospital race meeting', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 4 March 1947, p. 8, viewed 7 February 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/173893762
- [S201] 'Shepparton Jockey Club conducts successful charity meeting', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 27 April 1948, p. 3, viewed 9 September 2017, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169559049
- [S201] 'Local race clubs to run mid-week charity meeting', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 8 March 1949, p. 3, viewed 7 February 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188079532
- [S201] 'Jockey Club officers', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 24 June 1949, p. 3, viewed 13 May 2018, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188082341
- [S201] 'Shepparton Jockey Club: Charity race meeting', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 17 May 1949, p. 8, viewed 7 February 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188081204
- [S201] 'New top executive for jockey club', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 14 July 1950, p. 5, viewed 7 February 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/189069815
- [S201] 'Jockey Club to aid Legacy', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 8 September 1950, p. 3, viewed 7 February 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/189071016
- [S201] 'Cr Gribble warns Jockey club about future', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 25 July 1952, p. 9, viewed 17 May 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/172852894
- [S201] 'Turf: Racing revival', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 7 May 1946, p. 2, viewed 7 February 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/187169194
- [S201] 'Shepparton trots on Tuesday December 27', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 16 December 1949, p. 4, viewed 18 May 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188086992
- [S220] 'Shepparton night trots results', The Argus, 1848-1957, newspaper, Argus Office, 1 April 1954, p. 15, viewed 27 March 2022, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/26600350
- [S429] 'Shepparton people', Weekly Times, 1869-1954, newspaper, 8 June 1949, p. 11, viewed 13 May 2018, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224889286
- [S201] 'Dads' Association had busy year', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 17 January 1947, p. 5, viewed 8 February 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/173892752
- [S201] 'Dads meet: Many topics aired', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 23 April 1948, p. 1, viewed 8 February 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169558929
- [S201] 'Tatura admitted to football association', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 17 April 1945, p. 1, viewed 9 February 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170426268
- [S201] 'Football wind-up social', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 22 October 1946, p. 2, viewed 9 February 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/187173210
- [S201] 'Football: Shepparton celebrate', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 4 November 1947, p. 4, viewed 9 February 2021|https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/173899330
- [S201] 'Football: Lemnos presentations', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 6 November 1951, p. 7, viewed 9 February 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170019123
- [S201] 'Hockey presentation dance', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 28 October 1949, p. 7, viewed 24 February 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188085865
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- [S281] 'Phillips Family', Facebook, webpage, Facebook Inc, group created 25 June 2011, 26 January 2012 post by Peta Daher.
- [S281] 'Phillips Family', Facebook, webpage, Facebook Inc, group created 25 June 2011, comments by Karen Barker, Jane Murray, Maree Johnston and Ellen Zeunert in 5 October 2022 post by Peter Phillips.
- [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, Thomas James Phillips entry, death registration no. 519, 1980.